Version 2.8 or 2.79 to start learning Blender?
It might seem like a waste of time when 2.8 is supposed to come out in early 2019. 

Yet...

Both versions are not entirely different, many aspects and concepts will remain the same and there's one major benefit to 2.79:

There's abundant information on it available right now. Look at SE here. Most answers use pre 2.8 as their foundation.

And it's not too helpful to wonder whether something was your fault or a bug.

So I claim that it's easier to get roughly familiar with 2.79 and then 2.8

It's also a good thing to be able to compare the differences. I started with 2.12 and I had to deal with the 2.3 and 2.5 revolution. Not counting the animation overhaul in 2.2x. Now I'll add the 2.8 revolution. Can't shake me anymore. it's 0.1 versions late anyway!!

And as crazy as it sounds: limitations aside, I feel happier opening 2.28 than any later version. I'm glad that I know the past.

Btw, why not learn the basics in both and then decide? 15 hours for A and 15 hours for B. What's the worst that could happen? A broader perspective?